My book Staying is the new Going was available for purchase on September 1st, but it didn’t officially launch until this weekend. Boats float before they leave the harbor. It was an incredible weekend celebrating the book leaving the harbor.
Every author releases a book differently, so there really is no protocol. As I thought about how to officially release the book it only made sense to do this in third places among friends. No awkward book readings in a rocking chair. No pressure. I wanted to gather among those who have squeezed a pile of words and collection of stories into a cohesive and pregnant message.
Here is a review of the weekend.
We gathered for “Free Coffee Friday” at Fifty Fifty Coffeehouse. I wrote nearly half the book here. I have had many crucial conversations on the yellow couch just inside the door. It only made sense. In the book I talk about “Free Coffee Friday” in our neighborhood, a simple gathering of neighbors every Friday morning where we share life and consume caffeine. We went straight from our neighborhood to another coffee session with friends on a morning that finally felt like fall.
We gathered for a launch party at The Wild Goose Meeting House. “The Goose” embodies the heart of the book in so many ways. We had live music from Smith House. These guys aren’t just a great local band; they played at one of the basement house shows I reference in the book. They pour their heart and voice into every show. They left hoarse and raspy as the end of the night.
My very talented friend, Tyler Hill, shared two poems to a silenced crowd. Tyler’s stories are both local and personal. Next, Stephanie Augustine, took the stage to perform her poem “Love your City” that is featured in the book. I invited her into her first poetry gig in front of 300 people last year, and surprisingly, she said yes.
Perhaps the most important part of the night was thanking the characters in the story. Neighbors, friends, churches and fellow locals have inspired the staying message. Like any piece of art this book didn’t come to life in a vacuum. Many of you have inspired the idea, encouraged me write about this and told many of your stories. I took a time for thank yous, because I am grateful for all those who have been part of the staying message. You can’t celebrate community stories by yourself, so we celebrated as a community Sunday night.
I left a challenge to those gathered that night.
To those who are considering leaving and disengaging: I know leaving seems tempting and sometimes it’s the right thing to do. Think about what you would miss if you left. What’s wrong with right where you’re at? What’s wrong with the people you are already round? What’s wrong with the ground you stand on?
To those who have made sacrifices to stay: Thank you. You inspire me. You have chosen a hard, and good, path. No matter whether you live in a sexy place or very normal place you can help make it beautiful. Whatever season of life you’re in can be fruitful. Stay engaged. Stay put. Stay intentional right where you are.
Thanks to all those who came out to push the ship out of the harbor this weekend. I’m grateful for you all, and it only made sense to celebrate with you over music, laughs, food and drink.
Stay forth!